Butte semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1886-1890, 1887-10-12
THE PRINCIPLES OF MASONRY.
| Grand Master Words Definition OF Thorn
in Hfs Annual Address.

| Grand Master Words Definition OF Them
in his Annual Address.
Following is the beautiful exordium O
Grand Master Words address to thu
Grand Lodge OF Masons OF Montana at itt
meeting in Helena last Thursday:
BRETHREN OF THE GRAND LODGE OF
MONTANA-Since our last meeting another
year has gone. Again we are permitted tc
meet in annual convocation for purposes o.
the future. 1t is often pleasant to indulge
in thoughts Of the past, but useful only as
we apply them to the duties and lahors Of
life. Our order has a long and glorious
history, and it's unwritten record recalls
the brightest memories to which the heart
Of man can cling. Through past ages it's
record has been a track of light where
brothers have walked together in safety.
It's strong arm of brotherhood has been a
shield to the craft, and it's achievement
have been blessings to mankind. Its orr.
gin, it's rise, it's progress and continuance
in the face OF misrepresentation and perse-
%cution, it's persistent hold upon the conf
dence OF men show that it must nave some
adaptation to human needs to have thus
survived and taken an honored place
among the
FORCES OF THE WORLD.
1t is not contended that Masonry is re.
ligion, but l hold that it is deeply rooted
in the principles that are the basis of all
true religions. It makes no attempts to
fix the tenets of sectarian belief, yet it de-
mards Of every candidate for it's mysteries
that he shall have faith in the existence of
a persoLal Deity, the supreme creator of
the universe, tn. one living and true God.
The Masonry OF our ancestors shuts out
the atheist and irreligious libertine from
it's membership. 1t calls for the recogni-
ton OF God at every step. The all-seeing
eye is one OF it's hallowed symbols. The
holy writings are an essential part of every
lodge, and without it no Masonic
work can he none. More than this, while
there is a single promise, emblem or sligo OF
Masonry i,i conflict with reverence for and
faith in God. every precept and lesson the
true Mason encounters in his progress ad.
monishes him that he must
SQUARE HIS LIFE
according to the sacred law if he would fit
for that "temple not made with
hands eternal in the heavens" Masonry
puts men in a devout attitude before God.
and %enjoins them in the strongest manner
to obey his law. 1t does not assume to fill
the place OF the church, but it does give
to the one eternal God and his
laws. 1t stand for more than
average am aunt of intellectual and
moral liberty. The essence of its life is
from a broad sentiment that makes
lt impossible it's followers should be intol.
Grant. 1t is grounded in the spirit of toll
1t can never be true to itself
WI Q adhering to a policy Of hatred and
aDuse, OF misrepresentation and persecn-
IONS such as we sometimes see the church |
towards those whom IL sees |
proper to designate as heretics and demons.
RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUAL OPINION
nd the grand principles of civil and re-.
'g'ous liberty, in the maintenance of which
asst Grand Master Washington and his
ollowers gained a crown of glory aro
fundamental axioms among enlightened
aasons. 1t sounds. it's keynote through.
~ tne world by proclaiming that men are
OF 20 De lnterfered with, that thew shall
desplse one another because thew do
agree. that they shall be tolerant and
harlta Dle one with another. If American
rec MASONRY stands for anything. #
ANUS for that great principle of com,,lete
oe5ty, both civil and religious, which has
,aoe tne names OF. our fathers famous
the wnrld. To that Divine
laster OF US all. whose eye overIooks ali
nu whose kind providence guards the
aen we Tread, our heartfelt thanks for onr
SAGE, are due. o"o nall IN ,